Recent Mold Remediation Posts

What Is Mold?

What is mold? Mold is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.. This means that, like you and I, mold is a living organism. Mold spores are microscopic in size and, believe it or not, they exist naturally everywhere. Removing all traces of mold from a home or business is impossible. In actuality, mold testing is not done to determine if mold exists, but rather, to determine if elevated levels of mold exists. Proper mold testing consists of comparing indoor air quality to the air quality of the surrounding external environment.

Three conditions must exist for mold to cultivate. The first would be the availability of food. Any organic, carbon based, porous material is the only source of food mold spores require. The second would be having an appropriate temperature. Contrary to popular belief, mold can grow in any temperature above freezing, for example have you ever found moldy food in your refrigerator? The ideal temperature for mold to grow is in between 59° F – 86° F. Lastly having a considerable amount of moisture is a condition necessary that supports mold. It does not take long either; when all three conditions exist mold infestation can begin in less than 48 hours! The good news is that eliminating any one of these three conditions will ensure be mold free environment.

The not-so-good news is unfortunately, ninety percent of building materials used can serve as food for mold. Temperatures in New England during late spring and summer months are perfect for mold growth. Lastly, leaky roofs, improper bathroom ventilation, or poorly installed finished basements are just a few of the many issues that will cause the increased levels of moisture needed to stimulate mold growth. We cannot change the materials used to build our homes or the temperatures outside but we can control moisture. The good news is as humans we actually prefer humidity levels that are well below the critical relative humidity necessary for mold growth. That means, in most situations, the simple purchase of a dehumidifier is all the protection needed to mitigate mold growth.

But, what happens when disaster strikes and a simple dehumidifier is not enough? Up next – Why Call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Mold Remediation

When approaching mold clean up a lot of people wonder which method is best, “Dry Blast” vs “Sand Blast”, The answer is neither , the reality in today’s world is this is unnecessary because; dry ice is costly, it only removes surface mold, and porous materials require a deep cleaning. SERVPRO technicians use anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments that kill mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming

When tackling mold we make it a priority to set up containment. All remediation companies will set up containment, but when and how is the issue. We set up containment prior to applying the “eyeball test”. Which is as follows

The “Eyeball Test” – Assessing the Environment

Has there been a previous water damage

Do you smell musty odors of mold

Do you see areas of mold contamination

Our competitors cut 4 x 8 holes in the wall from the ground up

We cut a 2 x 4 in the center of the wall

Got Mold?

Do you think that you may have mold in your home or place of business? While mold spores exist naturally everywhere high levels in contained spaces can cause serious health issues. Mold spores are airborne particles which can be eliminated by creating a negative air chamber. One piece of equipment that we often use is the DefenderAir HEPA 500 is ideal for handling indoor air-quality needs on every restoration job. This unit address these air-quality issues quickly and effectively, helping you to maintain a clean indoor environment. The DefendAir has an efficiency rating of 99.97% against 0.3-micron oily aerosol particles and meets first-pass filtration requirements for even the most sensitive jobs. If you think that you may have an infestation of mold give our Disaster Recovery Team a call today!

Yes, There Is Mold In Your Home

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. The key to mold control is moisture control. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.

Is Mold Hiding In Your Home?

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional. Call our Disaster Recovery Team today – 781-769-9125!

Do you have hidden mold in your home?

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional. Call our Disaster Recovery Team today – 781-769-9125!

Mold 411

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Can mold cause health problems? Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. The key to mold control is moisture control. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.

Do You Have Mold?

Do you think that you may have mold in your home or place of business? While mold spores exist naturally everywhere high levels in contained spaces can cause serious health issues. Mold spores are airborne particles which can be eliminated by creating a negative air chamber. One piece of equipment that we often use is the DefenderAir HEPA 500 is ideal for handling indoor air-quality needs on every restoration job. This unit address these air-quality issues quickly and effectively, helping you to maintain a clean indoor environment. The DefendAir has an efficiency rating of 99.97% against 0.3-micron oily aerosol particles and meets first-pass filtration requirements for even the most sensitive jobs. If you think that you may have an infestation of mold give our Disaster Recovery Team a call today!

What Are the Potential Health Effects of Mold

According the CDC mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

Mold Removal

When approaching mold clean up a lot of people wonder which method is best, “Dry Blast” vs “Sand Blast”, The answer is neither , the reality in today’s world is this is unnecessary because; dry ice is costly, it only removes surface mold, and porous materials require a deep cleaning. SERVPRO technicians use anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments that kill mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming

When tackling mold we make it a priority to set up containment. All remediation companies will set up containment, but when and how is the issue. We set up containment prior to applying the “eyeball test”. Which is as follows

The “Eyeball Test” – Assessing the Environment

Has there been a previous water damage

Do you smell musty odors of mold

Do you see areas of mold contamination

Our competitors cut 4 x 8 holes in the wall from the ground up

We cut a 2 x 4 in the center of the wall

What is Mold?

What is mold? Mold is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.. This means that, like you and I, mold is a living organism. Mold spores are microscopic in size and, believe it or not, they exist naturally everywhere. Removing all traces of mold from a home or business is impossible. In actuality, mold testing is not done to determine if mold exists, but rather, to determine if elevated levels of mold exists. Proper mold testing consists of comparing indoor air quality to the air quality of the surrounding external environment.

Three conditions must exist for mold to cultivate. The first would be the availability of food. Any organic, carbon based, porous material is the only source of food mold spores require. The second would be having an appropriate temperature. Contrary to popular belief, mold can grow in any temperature above freezing, for example have you ever found moldy food in your refrigerator? The ideal temperature for mold to grow is in between 59° F – 86° F. Lastly having a considerable amount of moisture is a condition necessary that supports mold. It does not take long either; when all three conditions exist mold infestation can begin in less than 48 hours! The good news is that eliminating any one of these three conditions will ensure be mold free environment.

The not-so-good news is unfortunately, ninety percent of building materials used can serve as food for mold. Temperatures in New England during late spring and summer months are perfect for mold growth. Lastly, leaky roofs, improper bathroom ventilation, or poorly installed finished basements are just a few of the many issues that will cause the increased levels of moisture needed to stimulate mold growth. We cannot change the materials used to build our homes or the temperatures outside but we can control moisture. The good news is as humans we actually prefer humidity levels that are well below the critical relative humidity necessary for mold growth. That means, in most situations, the simple purchase of a dehumidifier is all the protection needed to mitigate mold growth.

But, what happens when disaster strikes and a simple dehumidifier is not enough? Up next – Why Call SERVPRO.